Spokane, Washington, has become a popular destination for tech workers seeking lower costs and a better lifestyle, long before the rise of remote work made such moves more common. The pandemic has accelerated this trend, bringing in a population influx that has led to increased optimism among tech companies in the area. Startup community leaders in Spokane see an opportunity to tap into this talent pool, with many remote workers in the region seeking to connect with the local tech ecosystem through organizations like LaunchPad Inland Northwest.
While the remote work trend has its benefits, such as more employment options and a dispersed workforce, it also poses challenges. Affordability in Spokane is starting to be impacted by the growing population, making it less cost-effective than before. Additionally, some remote workers in the region prefer to remain under the radar, complicating efforts to engage and connect with them. Despite these challenges, Spokane serves as a case study in the impact of remote work and migration outside of major tech hubs.
Spokane County has experienced a 7% population growth from 2018 to 2023, making it the fourth-largest county in Washington state. While Spokane still remains more affordable than tech hubs like Seattle, rising costs of living, particularly in the housing market, are starting to erode this advantage. The city is responding by focusing on affordable housing initiatives such as updating its development code to accommodate new housing options.
Entrepreneurs who have moved to Spokane in recent years are optimistic about its future, citing the welcoming nature of the investor community and the overall quality of life in the region. As the tech job market in Spokane grows, there has been a 13% increase in IT jobs between 2018 and 2023. This influx of tech workers has drawn attention to Spokane as a potential tech hub, with startups like Chapterly finding success and building a user base in the region.
Startup leaders in Spokane recognize the difficulty in competing for specialized talent in fields such as cloud and AI engineering, given the limited local employment options. Despite these challenges, many newcomers to Spokane are optimistic about its future, particularly in terms of the engineering talent and startup community that is thriving in the region. The city’s affordability, supportive business environment, and access to outdoor recreation continue to attract tech workers and entrepreneurs looking for a change of pace.
Overall, the growth of remote work and migration to Spokane presents both opportunities and challenges for the local tech ecosystem. From the impact on affordability to the difficulty in attracting specialized talent, Spokane is navigating a changing landscape as it seeks to position itself as a viable tech hub outside of major metropolitan areas. With a focus on affordable housing, engagement with remote workers, and leveraging the region’s unique advantages, Spokane is working towards establishing itself as a destination for tech workers and entrepreneurs seeking a different kind of tech community.
